Shipping to Mexico

Mexico is the United States' second-largest export market and third-largest trading partner. With the world’s 11th-largest population, it offers significant prospects for exporting: You can reach more than 110 million potential customers when you ship to Mexico. Mexico has huge potential and has demonstrated predictable, stable economic growth. And by taking advantage of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), your products may qualify to enter Mexico duty-free, saving you money. Learn more about North American trade solutions.

Early-morning delivery to Mexico with FedEx International First®.

When you're on a tight deadline, you need the speed of FedEx International First. Take advantage of early delivery to select postal codes in Mexico. Your shipments will be delivered as early as 11 a.m. in just one business day, and you'll be ahead of the game.*

*Availability of particular services may vary by origin and destination. Availability of particular solutions may vary by service selected. All services subject to the applicable FedEx Service Guide or FXF 100 Series Rules Tariff.

Mexico Shipping Options

FedEx offers you a choice: premium services when timing is urgent and economy services when reliability and savings are most important. Take advantage of our most popular FedEx® services for shipping to to Mexico.1

We also offer two flat-rate packaging options for your FedEx International Priority® shipments: the FedEx® 10kg Box and the FedEx® 25kg Box. These flat-rate shipping boxes are free and available at FedEx Express locations, including FedEx World Service Center® locations and FedEx Office® Print and Ship Centers. Learn more about our flat-rate shipping options

FedEx in Mexico

FedEx has a well-established presence in the Mexican market. FedEx Express Nacional, our Mexico domestic express shipping service, covers all 31 Mexican states and the Federal District. We deliver domestic packages and freight the next business day, or for more economical needs, in 2 to 5 business days.

Our newest hub in San Luis Potosi covers more than 22,000 square feet, with capacity to process 6,000 shipments per hour. And our expanded bonded warehouse in Guadalajara, which serves as a principal center of operations for FedEx Express®international and domestic shipments in Mexico, transfers 90,000 tons of exports and imports every year. What this means for U.S. companies doing business in Mexico:

Faster clearance and delivery of urgent shipments to certified businesses.

Faster availability of inbound shipments to selected brokers.

Earlier transmission of the Electronic Manifest Notification to selected brokers.

Wider coverage with the ability to ship not only to and from Mexico, but also within Mexico.

We're also continually improving our LTL (less-than-truckload) freight service in Mexico — with new service centers in Toluca, Puebla and Veracruz that work seamlessly to cut transit times so you can meet demands and surpass your customers' expectations.

Mexico Document Assistance

Every country has its own customs requirements and shipping specifications. We’ve simplified international shipping with FedEx® Electronic Trade Documents. By automating the preparation and flow of international documents, this service saves you money while ensuring on-time delivery of shipments to Mexico. The required documents are country-specific, with prompts to help you prepare everything needed for a shipment to Mexico and other international destinations.

Formerly known as the Shipper’s Export Declaration, the EEI must be filed with goods valued at US$2,500 or more from the U.S., Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands to foreign destinations. Connect with the federal Automated Export System and submit the required information using the FedEx Ship Manager solution. Using FedEx Export AgentFile®, you can authorize FedEx to file an EEI on your behalf. A filing fee and certain limitations apply.

NAFTA Certificate of Origin is a U.S. form that is used to validate claims for preferential duty treatment (reduced or duty-free entry) under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

The main document used by customs officials for control, valuation and duty determination. Serves as the basis for all other documents covering the shipment. Necessary for all shipments with a value of at least US$1 and relating to commercial transactions, regardless of the value. Must be in English or accompanied by a translation. Required details include the buyer and seller, a detailed description of the goods, quantity, purchase price or fair market value, terms of the sale, and the date. Should show freight, insurance, commission and other charges as separate items. Should be signed and, if possible, attested to by a bank.

Acts as a preliminary invoice, presenting the same information as the final invoice without claiming payment. Enables the end purchaser to apply for letters of credit, import licenses or foreign exchange allocation.

To avoid delays, all documents must be correct and consistent. The air waybill and Commercial Invoice require some of the same information:

"Consignee" is the recipient, the person to whom a shipment is being sent.

“Shipper” is the sender, the person with whom the shipment originates.

The value to declare for customs purposes is the price paid or payable for the goods, including any selling commissions, assists, royalties, packing and proceeds. It does not include freight and insurance charges.

Genuine samples up to the value of US$200 are not subject to duties. The Commercial Invoice and air waybill must state "Sample supplied free of cost," and contents need to be marked as samples.

A description of the contents includes:

What the product is

What material it’s made of

Schedule B or HTS code

Intended use

Country of manufacture

Parts or serial numbers (if applicable)

Quantity and unit of measure

Value, per unit and in total

Additional Tips

Review the Mexico country profile. Avoid surprises by checking the Mexico country profile, which includes the latest information on import and export provisions.

Research your market thoroughly. The marketplace, economy, customs and laws in Mexico are quite different from those you may be accustomed to in the U.S.

Ensure your project is economically feasible. U.S. companies should be especially thorough about revenue projections and business goals when entering a market outside the U.S. — other markets may be different than your own.

Know your associates. In addition to doing your own research, get to know your business contact in Mexico through your legal counsel.

Establish a very specific contract. With a business associate who resides in another country, it's a good idea to employ more detailed terms than you might with a U.S. associate, just to make sure everyone's in agreement.

Protect your intellectual property rights. U.S. businesses should not rely on the same protection of their intellectual property that they enjoy in the U.S. Your best strategy is to protect yourself from infringement before you encounter a problem.

Find international documents, estimate duties, taxes and landed cost, and more. You can also manage the documentation process with Product Profiles, which lets you create, store and edit information on up to 500 commodities.

Trade Group Member

Mexico is a member of a number of international economic organizations including the:

World Trade Organization. Established in 1995, the WTO has a membership of 140 countries. It is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. At its heart are the WTO agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world's trading nations and ratified in their parliaments. The goal is to help producers of goods and services, exporters and importers conduct their business.

A network of regional arrangements. Mexico's trade strategy has been based on negotiated liberalization, as opposed to unilateral reforms. As a result, Mexico has free trade agreements with Chile (1992); US and Canada (NAFTA) (1994); Colombia and Venezuela (1995); Costa Rica (1995); Bolivia (1995); Nicaragua (1998); the European Union (2000); Israel (2000); Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras (2001); and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland (EFTA) (2001).

These agreements eliminate barriers to trade in goods and services, promote conditions of fair competition, increase investment opportunities, provide protection of intellectual property rights and create dispute settlement procedures. Their disciplines are compatible, and a high degree of uniformity has been achieved. However, practical problems may arise from the different regimes applied to specific technical issues (e.g. rules of origin, certificates of origin).

Multilateral organizations. Other trade related forums in which Mexico participates include the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI) (1980), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) (1993) and the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) (1994).

GSP. Within the "Generalized System of Preferences" selected products originating in certain developing countries can be exported to specific developed countries' markets at lower or zero tariff rates. For more information on the GSP, see http://www.unctad.org/. In order to confirm that Mexico is a beneficiary country, to get the applicable rates and to obtain the appropriate certificate of origin, contact the Ministry of Economy.

GSTP. The "Global System of Trade Preferences" was established by developing countries (Group of 77), and provides for preferential trading among participating countries. For more information on the Group of 77, see http://www.g77.org/. In order to confirm that Mexico is a beneficiary country, to get the applicable rates and to obtain the appropriate certificate of origin, contact the Ministry of Economy.

Environmental agreements. Mexico is a party to several environmental and conservation agreements, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal (Basel Convention).

Customs conventions. Mexico has signed several conventions, such as the Customs Convention on the ATA carnet for the temporary admission of goods (ATA Convention), the Customs Convention on the temporary importation of professional equipment, the Customs Convention concerning facilities for the importation of goods for display or use at exhibitions, fairs, meetings or similar events and the International Convention to facilitate the importation of commercial samples and advertising material. They have been signed with certain reservations. Full implementation is still pending.

Future instruments. Trade negotiations are conducted both at the multilateral (e.g. the Free Trade Area of the Americas) and the bilateral levels.

General Import Clearance Information

Clearance Process

General. Working with Customs officials throughout the world, FedEx has developed innovative technology to eliminate many paperwork-handling steps and expedite the movement of international shipments. This is the FedEx Expressclear electronic Customs clearance stem. Starting at the origin, state-of-the-art technology allows the processing of shipment paperwork and electronic transmission of documents to the designated FedEx Hub and destination clearance location. The Expressclear system also keeps a database of regulatory information, which includes importers registration numbers, broker designation, corporate contact names and telephone numbers. At a FedEx hub, international shipments are sorted, scanned and loaded on to an international flight. Vital shipment information is keyed into a worldwide manifest database, which is linked to computer systems operated by brokers and Customs officials in many countries. Even before the plane takes off, or while it is in the air, Customs agents and brokers at the destination airport of entry can begin examining shipping manifests, querying air waybill data if they need more details, assessing duties and taxes and selecting which shipments they wish to examine. International shipments are scanned at all key points throughout the process and allows for up-to-date status reports including when Customs clearance is obtained.

Customs brokers. A licensed customs broker must submit the customs declaration. The broker must have a power of attorney from the importer. From the business point of view, the customs broker provides advice on trade and customs matters. From the tax point of view, the customs broker is liable for any misbehavior concerning the application of the proper customs procedure, the tariff classification of the goods, the correct payment of duties and taxes and the strict compliance with non-tariff barriers.

Duty payment. Once the customs broker calculates the applicable duties and taxes, they are paid at the commercial banks located at the ports of entry.

Registration requirements. A company seeking to import goods into Mexico must have a tax number and must also be registered as an importer. In theory, this measure allows the customs authorities to better monitor the trade in goods and prevents contraband. The registration procedure is relatively simple, but it may take some weeks. Sector-specific registration is a major concern. Persons who want to import certain sensible goods are required to be registered in one of 32 (approximately) specific sectors (e.g. automotive goods, steel, tools, electronic appliances, bicycles, toys, textiles, apparel, footwear).

Value added tax (VAT). Customs authorities collect a value added tax (VAT) upon entry of the goods into Mexico. For more information, see "Duties and Other Fees", below.

Inspection. Physical inspection is performed on approximately 10% of the shipments. Private companies perform a second inspection. This is a tactic implemented to reduce any wrongdoing on behalf of the customs officials. These inspections do not prevent further auditing in the importer's records by customs authorities.

Customs practices/International complaints. Foreign countries and exporters complain about certain issues of the customs administration. For example, they criticize the lack of prior notification of procedural changes. Inconsistent interpretation of trade requirements at different ports of entry is also disapproved. They also complain about excessive fines for violations committed as a result of simple mistakes.

Importation of Certain Footwear or Footwear Parts is Restricted into Mexico -

Effective September 1, 2015, the importation of certain footwear or footwear parts into Mexico NO longer requires an import permit from the consignee. However, the importation continues to be restricted to 9 specific ports of entry regardless of value or quantity. This restriction applies to all footwear shipments including samples, gifts, personal shipments, and internet purchases.

From those 9 customhouses authorized to import footwear or footwear parts around Mexico, FedEx only clears shipments in Guadalajara and Nuevo Laredo. In addition, Mexico City International Airport customhouse may be served through Toluca only if in-bond transit (“transito interno a la importacion”) service is requested for BSO (Broker Select Option) clearance only.

Prior to shipping we recommend the shipper contact FedEx in Mexico to determine whether the destination address is served through Guadalajara, Nuevo Laredo, or through the Toluca-Mexico City Airport option as BSO in-bond transit only.

Contact Information: (Calling from USA and other countries) (011-52-55) 5228-9904

Customer Service in Mexico: (01-800-00-FEDEX or 01-800-003-3339)

NOTE: Any shipments that arrive into a non-approved clearance location may be returned to shipper at the shipper’s expense or will be handled as abandoned goods.

Import/Export Documentation. The Mexican Law is very strict regarding the proper submission of customs documentation.

Customs declaration. The import declaration is especially detailed and it is submitted both in electronic and printed manners.

Invoices. The invoice evidences the sale for export to the country of importation. Thus, the invoice is essential to determine the transaction value of the goods. The customs regulations are very detailed concerning the information that the invoice must contain. Foreign sellers or shippers must exercise care in preparing invoices.

Invoice requirements checklist:

Place where the invoice is issued;

Date in which the invoice is issued;

Seller's name;

Seller's full address;

Importer's name;

Importer's full address (no PO Box);

Detailed description of the goods (including grade or quality) (avoid using codes);

Quantities in weights and measures;

Unit prices;

Total value of the invoice;

Any identification numbers such as serial, part and model numbers of each good.

Special information may be required on certain goods or classes of goods in addition to the information normally required on the invoice (see Individual information, below).

In order for the importers to avoid difficulties and delays the following information should also be included:

Invoice number;

Seller's tax identification number;

Commercial terms (e.g. CIF, FOB);

Kind of currency;

Country of origin;

Total weight;

Marks and numbers of the packages;

Total number of packages; and

For NAFTA trade, is advisable to include the US, Canada and Mexico province or state in which the seller and the importer are located.

The invoice may be written in Spanish, English or French.

Transportation documents. The bill of lading and the air waybill, endorsed by the transport company, are also attached to the customs declaration. These documents normally prove the date on which the goods entered the customs territory.

Non-tariff barriers. Compliance with most non-tariff barriers is evidenced in paper for example; import permits. Thus, compliance there with must be attached to the customs declaration. Mexico regulates products in a number of areas, mainly for health and safety reasons. Goods subject to non-tariff regulations include hazardous materials, pharmaceuticals, food items, medical equipment, etc.

Certificates of origin. Certificates of origin are used to authenticate the origin of the goods imported. They may be required for different purposes. Certificates of origin may be required to claim a preferential tariff treatment when the good originates from a specific free trade area. Certificates of origin may also be required and be attached to the customs declaration in order to prove that the good does not originate from the country to which an antidumping duty has been imposed. Certificate official forms and completion requirements vary depending on the origin of the good.

Individual information. The importation of certain goods requires disclosing very specific information for identification, analysis or control purposes. This requirement may apply to more than 100 types of goods. For example, the importation of wines and liquors requires information such as the full name of the product (e.g. Vodka), its trademarks and age (e.g. Scotch Whisky, Johnnie Walker, Black Label), the appropriate geographical indication and the year of production (e.g. Table Wine, Marqués de Caceres, red, Rioja, 1988), the number of bottles and their content, any lot or manufacturing number, alcohol content and other particulars. This information may appear on the customs declaration, on the invoice, on the transportation documents or on a separate exhibit.

Other documents. Certain documents are not necessarily attached to the customs declaration. For example, the value declaration specifies the way the importer calculated the customs value (e.g. the price actually paid, the price adjustments). These documents are kept in the files of the importer and the customs broker for further reference and audits.

Importer's files. Importers must retain the documents that prove the legal importation of the goods, in case the fiscal authorities require clarification after customs clearance.

When is a NAFTA Certificate of Origin Required?

The NAFTA Certificate of the origin is not required for shipments to Mexico and is used for purposes of obtaining preferential tariff treatment.

A NAFTA Certificate of Origin should only be completed for products exported from Canada or Mexico that meet the NAFTA rules of origin of production in the NAFTA countries. Inclusion of products that do not qualify is illegal and subject to fines and penalties.

A product does not automatically qualify for NAFTA tariff treatment just because the product was manufactured in the United States or purchased from a U.S. company. The product must meet the specific NAFTA rule of origin.

The exporter must complete the NAFTA Certificate of Origin before the importer can claim the NAFTA tariff rate. It Must be completed legibly and in full by the exporter and be in the possession of the importer at the time the declaration is made.

NAFTA Certificate of Origin can cover multiple shipments of same commodity for up to one year. In this case, it is not required to be part of each shipment documentation as long as a copy is kept on file with the Broker.

A NAFTA Certificate of Origin is not required for the commercial importation of a good valued at less than US$1,000. However, for goods to qualify for NAFTA preferential duties, the invoice accompanying the commercial importation must include a statement certifying that they qualify as originating goods under the NAFTA rules of origin. The statement should be handwritten, stamped, typed on or attached to the commercial invoice. This exception is valid as long as the shipment does not form part of a series of importations that may reasonably be considered to have been undertaken or arranged for the purpose of avoiding the Certification requirement.

A distributor does not complete a NAFTA Certificate of Origin for qualifying goods unless the distributor is the exporter.

A formal entry is required in order to benefit from NAFTA preferential tariff treatment.

Customs Valuation

Transaction value. The primary basis for customs value is the "transaction value." The transaction value is the price actually paid or payable for the goods when sold for export to Mexico. The price actually paid or payable is the total payment made or to be made by the buyer to or for the benefit of the seller for the imported goods. The payment may take the form of a transfer of money or can be made by way of letters of credit or negotiable instruments. Payment may be made directly or indirectly. Certain costs must be added to that price (e.g. commissions and brokerage) and certain other costs must not be included in the customs value (e.g. the cost of transport after importation).

Adjustments. The cost of transport, loading, unloading and handling charges associated with the transport, as well as the cost of insurance, of the imported goods to the "port of importation" (C.I.F.) must be included in the customs value.

Other methods. The Customs Law sets out other methods for determining the customs value whenever it cannot be determined under the transaction value method. For example, the transaction value method may not be used when the buyer and seller are related, and that relationship influenced the price. Such other valuation methods are the transaction value of identical goods, the transaction value of similar goods, the deductive value, the computed value and the fall-back method (any of the previous methods applied with reasonable flexibility). The methods of valuation are set out in a sequential order of application.

Accuracy of the declared value. The Customs Law stresses the proper use of the valuation methods and the need for accuracy of the declared value. Direct enforcement includes the seizure of the imported goods when the declared value is disproportionate vis-a-vis the transaction value of identical or similar goods. Other rules emphasize the truthful declaration of traceable components of the international transaction, such as the importer's and the exporter's names and addresses.

Reference prices. Mexico has established a "minimum estimated price" for certain goods (over 300 tariff items, including tools, wood materials, appliances, textiles, apparel, footwear). This reference price system implies that if the transaction value of the good is lower than the estimated price, the importer may be required to guarantee payment of the difference in tariffs due between the two valuations (i.e. the transaction value or the estimated price).

Import Duties

Duty rates. All tariff items are covered by ceilings under the WTO. The bound ceiling rate is 35%. Applied rates are much lower due to tariff preferential treatment granted in trade agreements. The General Import Duty Law establishes the MFN rates. An annual directive determines the preferential tariff rates applicable to originating goods exported from those countries to which Mexico grants preferences (e.g. Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, the European Community, Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Liechtenstein, Nicaragua, Norway, Switzerland, Uruguay, the US and Venezuela). Notice that most NAFTA originating goods are now duty free since the Agreement has reached its 10-year transition period. The sectoral promotion programs provide reduced import duties available to manufacturers of certain goods. Other reduced rates may apply to certain companies established at the border zone.

Antidumping

Mexico is a major user of antidumping measures. Currently, approximately 90 procedures have resulted in antidumping duty determination. Antidumping duties are charged on particular products (e.g. textile goods) from particular exporting countries (notably China) in order to bring their prices closer to the "normal value" (which may result in rates up to 1105%). Since the objective is to act against a genuine injury to the domestic industry, any non-compliance is severely punished.

Excise Duties

On January 1st , 2002 the Mexican Congress approved a comprehensive fiscal package that includes an increase in the tax rate on cigarettes and cigars and modifies the excise tax scheme for alcoholic beverages.

Additional Duties

Tariff types. Mexico levies ad-valorem duties (duties expressed as a percentage of the value of the imported goods), specific duties (duties levied as a fixed sum per unit of quantity) and compound duties (duties comprising an ad valorem duty to which a specific duty is added). Ad-valorem duties are the most frequent; specific duties apply to sugar and compound duties apply to sugar products.

Import Taxes

VAT. Customs authorities collect a value added tax (VAT) upon entry of the goods into Mexico. The VAT rate is normally 15%. The VAT is 10% for goods staying in the border zone (the border zone is usually up to 20 kilometers south of the U.S.-Mexico border). The VAT is assessed on the cumulative value of the customs value of the good plus the duty and other fees. The major items that are exempted from the VAT are the following: temporary imports, personal luggage, household furnishings of immigrants or returning nationals, and goods that are not subject to the VAT in domestic transactions, such as non-industrialized animals and vegetables, pharmaceuticals and certain food products

Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT's)
Technical barriers to trade are normally intended to protect human, animal or plant life or health, the environment or consumers. They include testing requirements, packaging requirements, marketing standards, certification requirements, origin marking requirements, health and safety regulations, and sanitary and phytosanitary regulations. Labeling requirements are a species of technical barriers to trade.

Despite the depth and speed of the trade-in-goods liberalization process in Mexico, significant barriers to trade still remain. Non-tariff barriers are all barriers to trade that are not tariffs, including all public regulations and government practices that introduce unequal treatment for domestic and foreign goods of the same or similar production.The most remarkable are quotas, prohibitions and import permits. Mexico regulates products in a number of areas, mainly for health and safety reasons. Goods subject to non-tariff regulations include hazardous materials, pharmaceuticals, food items, medical equipment, etc.

Consular Fees

No consular fees are known to exist.

Import Clearance Process

Chemical precursors. Chemical precursors are substances that can be used in the chemical processes involved in the manufacture of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances. In order to control the importation, exportation, distribution and/or other type of transaction involving chemical precursors, the Mexican Law prohibits shipping chemical precursors via courier services. To that end, Precursor Chemicals are

2922.49.99

N-Acetylanthranilic acid

2939.63.01

Lysergic acid

2926.90.99

Benzyl cyanide

2939.41.01

Ephedrine

2939.61.01

Ergometrine

2939.62.01

Ergotamine

2914.31.01

1-phenyl-2-propanone

2939.49.99

Phenylpropanolamine

2932.91.01

Isosafrole

2932.92.01

3, 4-Methylenedioxyphenyl-2-propanone

2932.93.01

Piperonal

2932.94.01

Safrole

2939.42.01

Pseudoephedrine

The salts and optical isomers of the aforementioned substances, whenever the existence of such salts is possible

Prohibited goods are

0301.99.01

Predator live fish

1211.90.02

Marijuana (Cannabis Indica) plants and parts of plants

1302.11.02

Opium saps and extracts, prepared for smoking

1302.19.02

Marijuana (Cannabis Indica) saps and extracts

1302.39.04

Mucilages and thickeners, whether or not modified, derived from Marijuana (Cannabis Indica)

Transfers, printed in colors or in black and white, known as "Garbage Pail Kids", for sale in packages or envelopes, even including chewing gum, candy or any other article, containing figures or illustrations showing childhood in denigrated and ridiculous manners, inciting to violence, to self-destruction or to any kind of antisocial behavior, and mentioning to have been printed in the USA or any other country by "Topps Chewing Gumm, Incorporated" or by any company or firm

4911.91.05

Stamps, prints and photographs, printed in colors or in black and white, known as "Garbage Pail Kids", for sale in packages or envelopes, even including chewing gum, candy or any other article, containing figures or illustrations showing childhood in denigrated and ridiculous manners, inciting to violence, to self-destruction or to any kind of antisocial behavior, and mentioning to have been printed in the USA or any other country by "Topps Chewing Gumm, Incorporated" or by any company or firm

General Import Restrictions

You are prohibited from tendering the following items for shipment to any international destinations unless otherwise indicated, and you agree not to do so. (Additional restrictions may apply depending on destination. Various regulatory clearances in addition to customs clearance may be required for certain commodities, thereby extending the transit time.)

Explosives (Class 1.4 explosives are acceptable for carriage to Canada, Germany, France, Japan, United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom. Note: United Arab Emirates only allows Class 1.4 explosives to be shipped hold-for-pickup to the FedEx Express facility in Dubai).

Items resembling a bomb, hand grenade or other explosive device, except as provided in the Dangerous Goods section. This includes, but is not limited to, inert products such as novelty items, training aids and works of art.

Firearms, weaponry and their parts (acceptable between the U.S. and Puerto Rico).

Perishable foodstuffs and foods and beverages requiring refrigeration or other environmental control. An exception is available by contract only. Contact your FedEx account executive for information.

Live animals including insects, except as provided in the Live Animals section in the FedEx Service Guide. (Call the FedEx Live Animal Desk at 1.800.405.9052).

Plants and plant material, including cut flowers (cut flowers are acceptable from the U.S. to selected points in Canada and from Colombia, Ecuador and the Netherlands to the U.S.).

Letters of Credit. Shipments subject to Letters of Credit are generally prohibited, with the exception of shipments subject to Letters of Credit calling for a “courier receipt”, as defined by Article 25 of UCP 600, shipped using the FedEx Expanded Service International Air Waybill.

Certificate of Registration shipments (CF4455).

Hazardous waste, including, but not limited to, used hypodermic needles or syringes transported for sterilization, recycling, disposal or for any other purpose, or other medical waste.

Shipments that may cause damage to, or delay of, equipment, personnel or other shipments.

Shipments that require us to obtain any special licenses or permit for transportation, importation or exportation.

Shipments or commodities whose carriage, importation or exportation is prohibited by any law, statute or regulation.

Counterfeit goods, including, but not limited to, goods under a trademark, without the approval or oversight of the registered trademark owner (also commonly referred to as "fake goods" or "knock-offs").

Marijuana, as defined by U.S. federal law, 21 U.S.C. 802(16), including marijuana intended for recreational or medicinal use, and synthetic cannabinoids.

Shipments with a declared value for customs in excess of that permitted for a specific destination. (See the Declared Value for Carriage and Limits of Liability section in the FedEx Service Guide).

Dangerous goods except as permitted under the Dangerous Goods section of these terms and conditions.

Processed or unprocessed dead animals, including insects and pets. Taxidermy-finished hunting trophies or completely processed (dried) specimens of whole animals or parts of animals are acceptable for shipment into the U.S.

Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odor of any kind.

Wildlife products that require U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service export clearance by FedEx prior to exportation from the U.S.

In-bond shipments destined to or being withdrawn from a Foreign Trade Zone or bonded warehouse, unless the FedEx International Broker Select option is selected for U.S. import shipments, or the FedEx International Controlled Export service option is selected for U.S. export shipments.

Notwithstanding any other provision of the FedEx Service Guide, we are not liable for delay of, loss of damage to a shipment of any prohibited item. The shipper agrees to indemnity FedEx for any and all costs, fees and expenses FedEx incurs as a result of the shipper's violation of any local, state or federal laws or regulations or from tendering any prohibited item for shipment.

You may be able to ship these items via FedEx International Controlled Export, FedEx International Premium, FedEx International Express Freight (IXF) or FedEx International Airport-to-Airport (ATA). For information on FedEx International Controlled Export, call International Customer Service at 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339 (say "international services"). For information on the other services listed call FedEx Express Freight Customer Service at 1.800.332.0807.

Mexico Restrictions

De facto prohibitions. Exporters and importers are concerned about certain de facto prohibitions. For example, import permits are systematically rejected for used hardware. In other instances, procedures may be extremely time-consuming and cumbersome (e.g. for environmental reasons, the importation of used tires for renovation purposes is extremely difficult).Automatic import licensing. Mexico has implemented a prior notification requirement for sensitive products from certain countries. The idea is to closely monitor the value of certain goods, such as textiles, footwear and tableware from Asian countries, as well as steel products from the Balkans. For more information, contact the Ministry of Economy.

Ports of entry. A major concern for exporters is the restriction on the entry of various goods through specific Mexican ports. In theory, this allows the customs authorities to acquire expertise in customs matters relevant to certain sectors, such as tariff classification or valuation, but in practice, this may be an obstacle. Some examples of restricted goods are

Meat of poultry in brine

Apples

Lard, fats and oils

Beer

Cigars and cigarettes

Matches

New pneumatic tires of a kind used on bicycles

Used pneumatic tires

Footwear, gaiters and the like; parts of such articles

Bicycles

Pencils - they are subject to comply with NOM regulations ((Normas Oficiales Mexicanas - Mexican Labeling Regulations). The NOM Mark must appear on the product unless an alternate location on packaging is specified in writing as permitted by law - more information is available in Spanish at http://www.economia.gob.mx/. A Sanitary Notice from the Mexican Secretary of Health before shipment arrival is required.

Compact discs, recorded and unrecorded

Sound recording equipment (CD writers)

Textiles

Additional restrictions:

Due to the sanitary alert caused by the aftose fever (foot and mouth disease) breakout in some countries, the list of restricted products was revised, to include live horses, asses, mules, hinnies, bovine animals, swine, sheep, goats and other live animals; their meat, blood and juices; products of animal origin; edible products and preparations of animal origin; animal fats, oils and waxes; glands and organs; albuminoidal substances; raw hides, skins, leather, fur skins and manufactures thereof; wool and animal hair; as well as samples on any of these goods.

Copyright, Trademark Infringement

Border enforcement. A right holder who has valid grounds for suspecting that the importation of counterfeit trademark goods or pirated copyright goods may take place, can file an application with the Mexican competent authorities for the suspension by the customs administration of the release of such goods into free circulation.

The following is a listing of commodities not acceptable for carriage via FedEx International Priority (IP) service into Mexico:

(However, you may be able to use another FedEx service for shipping these items. For additional shipping options, please contact your local FedEx customer service representative)

Special Import Provisions

Money. Travelers who transport more than $10,000 US dollars in cash, checks or any monetary instruments into or out of Mexico must file a report with Customs. Similarly, any person who sends by any means (including by courier services), more than that amount of money must report that circumstance to the appropriate company. Failure to comply can result in severe penalties.

Abandonment. When unsolicited goods are sent, the consignee may decide to keep the goods and pay the applicable duties and taxes, or leave them in the temporary storage, where they will cause abandonment in favor of the Ministry of Treasure after the terms specified by the Customs Law expire.

Free ZonesCongress amended the Customs Law on December 2002 and provided for a new customs procedure called "
Recinto Fiscalizado Estrategico". Full implementation of this customs procedure is scheduled for June 2003.

Warehouses. This procedure required the construction of warehouses under strict customs control, owned and administered by Mexican legal entities, as approved by Customs Authorities. The premises shall be adjacent to the ports of entry.

Types of Goods. Basically, goods allowed to be stored include foreign goods for further clearance for home use, foreign goods for further temporary entry, as well as domestic goods exportation.

Time limits. Foreign and domestic goods may be stored for less than two years. Machinery, equipment, tools and other types of goods may be stored for longer periods of time.

Temporary Entry for Inward Processing

Maquila and PITEX. These governmental programs are destined to assembly plants operating in Mexico, offering them a special customs treatment, which allows them to import, on a temporary basis, raw materials and machinery to be used in the manufacture of goods that will be re-exported.

Beneficiaries. Persons interested in obtaining the authorization of a program, its modification or its extension, are required to submit an application to the Ministry of Economy, with forms approved for such process.

Rights. Once approved, the program gives its holder the right to import temporarily the following:

Raw materials, parts, components, auxiliary materials, containers, packaging materials, fuels and lubricants used in the production process of the exportation goods;

Containers and trailers;

Tools, equipment and research accessories, industrial safety accessories and products required for hygiene, sanitation, and for the prevention and control of environmental pollution of the production plant, work manuals and industrial blueprints, as well as telecommunication and computer equipment; and

Machinery, devices, instruments and spare parts for the production process, laboratory equipment, measuring and testing equipment for their products and equipment required for quality control, for training of personnel, as well as equipment for the administrative development of the enterprise when new industrial plants are installed.

Those goods may remain in the country for the periods set out in the Customs Law (e.g. 18 months for raw materials, 2 years for containers) (Machinery used to be allowed for a period of 5 years. The Customs Law was amended on December 2002 in that aspect. Effective January 1, 2003, machinery and equipment may remain in the country for the duration of the export program).

Customs facilitation. It is worth mentioning that many legal provisions tend to simplify the import/export process of the Maquiladoras and PITEX companies. For instance, a customs control measure sets out that the customs declaration must specify the serial number, part number, model number and trademark of each good imported into Mexico. Maquiladoras or PITEX companies are not compelled to do so if the importation concerns raw materials temporarily imported in accordance with their appropriate export program. Further, Maquiladoras and PITEX companies may submit a single customs declaration for all goods imported during the previous week. Moreover, the law allows such legal entities to modify the information contained in the customs declarations that most importers may not change once the declaration is filed (e.g. quantity of goods).

Obligations. Maquiladoras and PITEX companies must comply with very stringent requirements concerning, for instance, inventory control and reports. Maquiladora and PITEX companies must maintain an automated inventory control system. Where a company fails to comply with this obligation, the goods in its possession are presumed to be foreign (i.e. contraband). Maquiladoras and PITEX companies must file specific reports concerning their international trade process.

Duties levied on materials. Traditionally, Maquiladoras and PITEX companies were relieved from payment of import duties on any materials imported. On January 1, 2001, Maquiladoras and PITEX companies experienced one of their most significant changes. In brief, NAFTA Article 303 limits the amount of customs duties that may be waived by Mexico on non-originating materials imported pursuant to a Maquila or PITEX programs, and used in the production of a finished good that is subsequently exported to the US or Canada. Applicable rules are cumbersome, but may be summarized as follows:

Applicable rules derive from the combination of two aspects: (1) the origin of the materials used in the production of a finished good (NAFTA originating vs. non-NAFTA originating), and (2) the country to which the finished good is exported (US or Canada vs. any other country).

Mexico allows duty free temporary importation of originating materials used in the production of a finished good exported to a country different than the US or Canada.

Mexico allows duty free temporary importation of non-originating materials used in the production of a finished good exported to a country different than the US or Canada.

Mexico allows duty free temporary importation of originating materials used in the production of a finished good exported to the US or Canada.

However, temporary importation into Mexico of non-originating materials used in the production of a finished good exported to the US or Canada, may be dutiable.

Duty determination. Where a good is imported into Mexico pursuant to a Maquila or PITEX program, and is used as a material in the production of a finished good that is subsequently exported to the US or Canada, Mexico shall assess the customs duties as if the non-originating materials had been withdrawn for domestic consumption. However, Mexico may waive certain amount of customs duties, in accordance with the rule known as "the lesser of the two" rule. The amount of customs duties owed that may be waived by Mexico shall be the lesser of: (a) the total amount of customs duties owed on the non-originating material upon importation into Mexico, and (b) the total amount of customs duties paid to the US or Canada on the finished good. The total amount of customs duties that shall be paid in Mexico is the result of subtracting the amount of duties waived from the total amount of customs duties determined as if the non-originating materials had been withdrawn for domestic consumption.

Duties levied on machinery. Traditionally, Maquiladoras and PITEX companies were relieved from payment of import duties on machinery and equipment. Now, Mexico collects import duties on machinery, notwithstanding that the goods enter under a temporary import procedure.

FedEx IP Service. Please note that Maquiladora and PITEX imports and exports are not available under FedEx International Priority (IP) Service.

More information. Detailed information about Maquiladora and PITEX requirements and program authorizations may be found in the Ministry of Economy's web site, http://www.economia.gob.mx/.

Personal Effects
Passengers have the right to import duty free certain goods, such as personal effects, a camera, a laptop and others. A list of such goods is published yearly and sets out the goods that may be imported by Mexican residents and those that may be imported by foreign residents. Passengers, under certain circumstances, may also import gifts. Their duty free treatment depends on the value of the goods. Anything that exceeds $50.00 dollars (when the passenger arrives by car) or $300.00 dollars (when the passenger arrives by airplane) must pay duties and taxes. Travelers entering the country are required to declare all goods in their possession. In practice, unaccompanied personal effects are treated for customs purposes as any commercial shipment that has to comply with tariff, non-tariff barriers and domestic taxes.

SamplesThe concept of "samples" is very limited. Samples are defined by law as items:

that could only be used as samples, in view of their quantity, weight, volume and other conditions;

which are so marked, torn, perforated, or otherwise treated that they are unsuitable for sale or for use except as commercial samples;

that have an individual value of not more than $1.00 US dollar; and

whose packing is unsuitable for sale.

Therefore, in many instances, notwithstanding that the exporter or the imported believes that the item he/she is shipping is a "sample", the item is treated for customs purposes as any "good" that has to comply with tariff, non-tariff barriers and domestic taxes.

Gifts

Everything has a value for customs purposes, even if a transaction (sale) did not occur. Consequently, the importer must pay duties and taxes on any gift sent from abroad.

Toys classified under Chapter 95 of the Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) are subject to antidumping duties of 70% to 120% when orginating from China. It is advisable to include proof of origin when orginating in countries other than China.

Textiles must present the original labels or it will be considered as used items.

Candy shipments require an Import Permit issued by the Ministry of Economy and must comply with Sanitary Notice issued by the Health Ministry. A declaratioin of the percent of sugar content is required for shipments originating from Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Cuba, Ecuador, Panama or Paraguay.

Standards

"Normas oficiales mexicanas" and "Normas mexicanas". Technical barriers to trade arise from the application of technical regulations or standards. Generally speaking, technical regulations are mandatory, and thus, they are established, monitored and enforced by governments. Standards, on the other hand, are voluntary and they only become effective in a given market because the parties concerned agree to use them. Mexico has those two types of technical barriers: NOM ("Normas Oficiales Mexicanas") are technical regulations. NMX ("Normas Mexicanas") are, on the contrary, voluntary standards, intended for use as references. In many developed countries, technical regulations and standards are complementary. In Mexico, however, technical regulations are fundamental.Compliance. Foreign companies must meet the Mexican product technical regulations as a condition of market access. Product safety NOMs require Mexican importers to present a NOM certification to Mexican customs along with all other import documents. This certificate attests that the product has been verified and found to have complied with the applicable NOM. A product which is subject to a NOM cannot be imported into Mexico unless it has been certified as being in compliance with the NOM. Samples of goods may be imported in order to be tested by approved laboratories (see library). For more information, contact the Ministry of Economy Standards Division http://www.economia.gob.mx/ (search for "Normatividad empresarial" / "Normas").

The MX NOM Mark, a product safety mark for Mexico, is a requirement for the majority of electronic items which certifies that the product meets the safety requirements contained in the Official Mexican Standards (Normas Oficiales Mexicanas or NOM). For certification purposes, the MX NOM Mark must appear on the product unless an alternate location on packaging is specified in writing as permitted by law. It is recommended that the shippers ensure their products are NOM compliant.

Labeling Requirements

Informed consumption. Labeling requirements are imposed basically for "informed consumption" reasons. The tariff provisions of the free trade agreements signed by Mexico, which provide for preferential or duty-free entry for manufactured goods, have tremendously increased Mexico's trade flows. Nevertheless, imported goods do not necessarily show the commercial information the Mexican Government considers necessary to protect the consumers in its territory. Consequently, Mexico is placing increasing importance on adopting and enforcing product-labeling regulations.

Compliance. Commercial information or labeling NOMs do not require certification. They simply require the imported goods to comply with the applicable labeling requirements set out in the NOM. Mexican customs may deny entry to any good that does not comply with the technical regulation.

Examples. The most relevant labeling technical standards are

general labeling of consumer goods (NOM-050-SCFI-1994)

labeling of food and non-alcoholic beverages (NOM-051-SCFI-1994)

labeling of alcoholic beverages (NOM-142-SSA1-1995)

labeling of textiles, clothing and accessories (NOM-004-SCFI-1994)

labeling of leather and artificial materials with such appearance, footwear and products made of such materials (NOM-020-SCFI-1997)

labeling of electrical and electronic products, as well as household appliances (NOM-024-SCFI-1998)

Taxes. Export taxes are very rare. The may be applicable in order to deter the exportation of certain live animals, for example.

Customs procedures. A licensed customs broker files the export declaration on behalf of the exporter. Any document stating the commercial value of the goods and the applicable document evidencing compliance with non-tariff measures, if any, will be attached to the customs declaration.

Document Requirements

Permission to import and or export Human Blood and components. The Import and Export into or out of Mexico of blood and blood products, such as blood serum or plasma, requires a permit. This application must be submitted to the CENTRO NACIONAL DE LA TRANSFUSION SANGUINEA (CNTS) prior to shipping

Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species(CITES) application. This form must be completed when importing goods protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in order to receive an import or export permit. If the product you are shipping is derived from an endangered animal or plant species, a CITES Import and Export Permit is required. Some examples of commodities requiring this form may be leather and animal skins. For further information please contact Instituto Nacional de Ecologia.

Application for Export of Orange Juice to US. This form must be submitted before export of orange juice to the US. The form must be submitted to the Secretaria de Economia to obtain proper export authorization and preferential tariff treatment.

Import and Export Permit Application. This form is to obtain an import or export permit for the shipment of restricted goods as classified by the Secretaria de Economia. The failure to complete and file this form is subject to severe punishment under Customs law. This form must be filed with the Secretaria de Economia directly and the permit must be obtained prior to shipment.

Notice for the import or export of essential chemical products. This form is an official notification submitted to Secretaria de Salud (SSA) for the import or export of essential chemicals as identified by SSA. Notification must be provided at least 5 business days prior to shipment and a copy of the notification must accompany the shipment.

Permit for the disposition of Human Tissue, Cells, Organs and Cadavers and Components. This form is used to obtain a permit for import and export of human cells, tissues, organs and cadavers into or out of Mexico. This form must be submitted to the Secretaria de Salud prior to importation.

Health Import or Export Permit Application for Raw Materials, Pharmaceuticals or Medicines that are or contain Narcotics or Psychotropics, SSA-03-025-A. Importers or exporters in Mexico who trade narcotics or medicaments containing narcotics must complete this form and submit it to Direccion General de Insumos para la Salud of the Secretaria de Salud to obtain the proper authorization.

Export Clearance Process

Export programs - General. The Mexican Law provides for a diversity of export programs, including Maquila and PITEX. A company that holds a Maquila program is called Maquiladora. A company that holds a PITEX authorization is called a PITEX company. Both programs are very similar in terms of the customs issues they raise, but their domestic income tax regime may be different. (See further details under Special Import provisions above)

Mexico Export Prohibitions

Non-tariff barriers. Non-tariff barriers are applicable to very specific goods. For example, a certificate of origin is needed for the exportation of certain coffee products. The exportation of uranium requires the authorization of the Ministry of Energy. Works of art, collectors' pieces and antiques may not be exported without the proper authorization. Tequila may be required to comply with mandatory standards prior to their exportation. Endangered live animals and plants, woods and fuels require previous permits form the Ministry of Economy. Strict controls are imposed on the exportation of certain chemical substances that may be used in the illegal manufacture of narcotics. Other sanitary restrictions are imposed on the exportation of illegal drugs, medicines and human blood. Finally, the cross-border movement of hazardous materials is severely regulated.

Certain goods may not be legally exported from Mexico:

0301.99.01

Predator live fish

0302.69-01

"Totoaba" fish, fresh or chilled

0303.79-01

"Totoaba" fish, frozen

0410.00-01

Turtle's eggs of any kind

1207.91-01

Poppy seeds

1208.90-03

Flours and meals of poppy seeds

1209.99-07

Marijuana seeds (Cannabis Indica) even if they are mixed with other seeds

1211.90-02

Marijuana (Cannabis Indica) plants and parts of plants

1211.90-02

Coca leaves, except when exported with the authorization of the Ministry of Health

1302.11-02

Opium saps and extracts

1302.19-02

Marijuana (Cannabis Indica) saps and extracts

1302.39-02

Mucilages and thickeners, whether or not modified, derived from Marijuana (Cannabis Indica)

Transfers, printed in colors or in black and white, for sale in envelopes or packages, including or not chewing gum, candy or any other type of articles, that show drawings, figures or other illustrations that show childhood in denigrated and ridiculous manners, inciting to violence, to self-destruction or to any kind of antisocial behavior, known as "Garbage Pail Kids", for example, printed by any company or firm

4911.91.05

Stamps, prints and photographs, printed in colors or in black and white, for sale in envelopes or packages, including or not chewing gum, candy or any other type of articles, that show drawings, figures or other illustrations that show childhood in denigrated and ridiculous manners, inciting to violence, to self-destruction or to any kind of antisocial behavior, known as "Garbage Pail Kids", for example, printed by any company or firm

9705.00-01

Archaeological monuments

Country specific prohibitions. Country specific export prohibitions are very unusual, and they are the consequence of decisions taken by the United Nations.

General Export Restrictions

You are prohibited from tendering the following items for shipment to any international destinations unless otherwise indicated, and you agree not to do so. (Additional restrictions may apply depending on destination. Various regulatory clearances in addition to customs clearance may be required for certain commodities, thereby extending the transit time.)

Explosives (Class 1.4 explosives are acceptable for carriage to Canada, Germany, France, Japan, United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom. Note: United Arab Emirates only allows Class 1.4 explosives to be shipped hold-for-pickup to the FedEx Express facility in Dubai).

Items resembling a bomb, hand grenade or other explosive device, except as provided in the Dangerous Goods section. This includes, but is not limited to, inert products such as novelty items, training aids and works of art.

Firearms, weaponry and their parts (acceptable between the U.S. and Puerto Rico).

Perishable foodstuffs and foods and beverages requiring refrigeration or other environmental control. An exception is available by contract only. Contact your FedEx account executive for information.

Live animals including insects, except as provided in the Live Animals section in the FedEx Service Guide. (Call the FedEx Live Animal Desk at 1.800.405.9052).

Plants and plant material, including cut flowers (cut flowers are acceptable from the U.S. to selected points in Canada and from Colombia, Ecuador and the Netherlands to the U.S.).

Letters of Credit. Shipments subject to Letters of Credit are generally prohibited, with the exception of shipments subject to Letters of Credit calling for a “courier receipt”, as defined by Article 25 of UCP 600, shipped using the FedEx Expanded Service International Air Waybill.

Certificate of Registration shipments (CF4455).

Hazardous waste, including, but not limited to, used hypodermic needles or syringes transported for sterilization, recycling, disposal or for any other purpose, or other medical waste.

Shipments that may cause damage to, or delay of, equipment, personnel or other shipments.

Shipments that require us to obtain any special licenses or permit for transportation, importation or exportation.

Shipments or commodities whose carriage, importation or exportation is prohibited by any law, statute or regulation.

Counterfeit goods, including, but not limited to, goods under a trademark, without the approval or oversight of the registered trademark owner (also commonly referred to as "fake goods" or "knock-offs").

Marijuana, as defined by U.S. federal law, 21 U.S.C. 802(16), including marijuana intended for recreational or medicinal use, and synthetic cannabinoids.

Shipments with a declared value for customs in excess of that permitted for a specific destination. (See the Declared Value for Carriage and Limits of Liability section in the FedEx Service Guide).

Dangerous goods except as permitted under the Dangerous Goods section of these terms and conditions.

Processed or unprocessed dead animals, including insects and pets. Taxidermy-finished hunting trophies or completely processed (dried) specimens of whole animals or parts of animals are acceptable for shipment into the U.S.

Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odor of any kind.

Wildlife products that require U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service export clearance by FedEx prior to exportation from the U.S.

In-bond shipments destined to or being withdrawn from a Foreign Trade Zone or bonded warehouse, unless the FedEx International Broker Select option is selected for U.S. import shipments, or the FedEx International Controlled Export service option is selected for U.S. export shipments.

Notwithstanding any other provision of the FedEx Service Guide, we are not liable for delay of, loss of damage to a shipment of any prohibited item. The shipper agrees to indemnity FedEx for any and all costs, fees and expenses FedEx incurs as a result of the shipper's violation of any local, state or federal laws or regulations or from tendering any prohibited item for shipment.

You may be able to ship these items via FedEx International Controlled Export, FedEx International Premium, FedEx International Express Freight (IXF) or FedEx International Airport-to-Airport (ATA). For information on FedEx International Controlled Export, call International Customer Service at 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339 (say "international services"). For information on the other services listed call FedEx Express Freight Customer Service at 1.800.332.0807.

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